It is understood the pair was returning from visiting Ms Johnson's family in Coolamon when the car left the road and hit a tree head-on, with Mr Kirkup at the wheel.

A file photo of Garry Kirkup from 2004. Photo: Richard Briggs

​Racing NSW released a statement paying tribute to Ms Johnson.

“The passing of Samara Johnson is another tragic blow for the Canberra racing community, following the passing of track rider Riharna Thomson, also a close friend of Johnson’s, earlier in the year,” it stated.

Counselling support has been arranged by Racing NSW to help assist participants during this time.